WAFCON winner Robyn Moodaly urges Banyana to defend title

Excitement is undeniably building as our reigning champions, Banyana Banyana, are gearing up to defend their African Cup of Nations title.

Their journey at the 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations kicks off with a mouthwatering fixture against Ghana, promising an electrifying start to the tournament.

Ahead of this crucial game, Showmax caught up exclusively with 2022 WAFCON winner Robyn Moodaly, who shares her insights on the incredible experience of winning the title with Banyana in 2022 and offers valuable advice to the current team as they embark on their defence.

This highly anticipated match is just the beginning of Showmax’s women’s football fiesta, with comprehensive live coverage of WAFCON alongside the Women’s EUROs, bringing you every moment of the action.

As the excitement builds for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025, former Banyana Banyana midfielder Robyn Moodaly says winning the 2022 WAFCON was the best moment of her career and has urged Banyana to give it their all to defend the title.

In an exclusive interview with Showmax Premier League, Moodaly shared her profound message for the team: “Trust in yourselves and each other. Stick together no matter what happens. Take it one game at a time, and don’t let the pressure or expectations get in the way of enjoying the moment. And remember why you’re there, to represent the country with pride and to make history again.”

Moodaly, an experienced midfielder who featured in two Olympic Games and a Women’s World Cup, and was a vital part of the victorious 2022 WAFCON squad, vividly recalled that historic triumph. “It was honestly incredible. Being part of that squad and making history for South Africa was something I’ll never forget. There was such a strong sense of unity, pride, and belief in the team. From the first game to the final whistle, you could feel how much it meant to everyone – the players, the staff, the supporters back home. It was emotional and special in every way.”

She further emphasised the personal significance of that win. “Definitely one of the best, if not the best [moment of my career]. Winning a continental title for your country doesn’t happen often, and to be part of the group that brought it home for the first time was something I’ll always be proud of. Personally, it was a huge highlight and a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

Moodaly also shed light on the demanding nature of the tournament itself.

“It’s very tough. You’re playing against the best in Africa, and every match is physically and mentally demanding. The schedule is tight, there’s travel between games, and the pressure is always there to perform and to represent your country well. You have to stay focused and manage your recovery properly to be ready for each game.”

Addressing the pressure on Banyana as defending champions, she affirmed, “Yes, for sure. When you’re defending champions, there’s always extra pressure because everyone wants to beat you. Expectations are higher from the outside too. But I also think that pressure can be a positive and Banyana adapt well to pressure, it shows the standard the team has set and the belief that they can do it again.”

On the current squad’s capabilities, Moodaly is confident. “There’s a lot of quality in the squad, and many players have big tournament experience now. If they stay focused, united and play to their strengths, they’re definitely capable of going all the way again.”

Showmax Premier League this week kicked off a thrilling month of women’s football starting with the UEFA Women’s EURO’s on Wednesday, with WAFCON set to follow this weekend.

This monumental line-up promises to showcase the pinnacle of women’s football talent directly to screens across the continent.

The spotlight, however, will be trained on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where Banyana Banyana are poised to defend their coveted title.

The tournament officially kicks off on 5 July, with Banyana Banyana beginning their championship defence on 7 July in a mouthwatering clash against Ghana.

Under the expert guidance of Desiree Ellis, Banyana Banyana made history in 2022 by lifting the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy for the first time.

With five previous runner-up finishes, they enter this year’s competition as strong favourites to once again hoist the silverware.

Showmax Premier League is committed to providing unparalleled coverage of WAFCON, bringing every moment of the action, drama, and triumph directly to your devices.

A few days before WAFCON, the UEFA Women’s EURO kicked off on Wednesday (2 July). Defending champions England will be looking to replicate their stunning success of 2022.

On home soil, they didn’t just win the Euros; they did so with remarkable flair, recording the largest margin of victory in Euros’ history with an an 8-0 drubbing of Norway, a performance that contributed to a record-breaking 14 group goals.

This year, the Women’s EURO tournament takes place in Switzerland, promising a captivating spectacle of European football. Showmax Premier League will deliver all the thrilling matches and unforgettable moments from this prestigious tournament.

Showmax Premier League is dedicated to bringing the best of global football to its subscribers, and the immediate availability of WAFCON and the UEFA Women’s EURO underscores this commitment. Football fans will not miss a single kick, tackle, or goal as these formidable athletes compete for continental glory.

Get ready to witness history in the making as Showmax Premier League delivers every captivating moment of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the UEFA Women’s EURO, celebrating the strength, skill, and passion of women’s football.

Banyana Banyana’s WAFCON group stage fixtures:

• Banyana Banyana v Ghana: Monday, 7 July: 18:00
• Tanzania v Banyana Banyana: Friday, 11 July: 21:00
• Banyana Banyana v Mali: Monday, 14 July: 21:00

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